A man who fatally stabbed his ex-girlfriend in her home has described himself as “not a heartless monster” in a handwritten letter following the killing.

Daniel Billings pleaded guilty to the murder of Molly Ticehurst, who had accused him of domestic violence and sexual assault prior to her death. According to court documents, Ms. Ticehurst reported to police in January 2024 that Billings had threatened to “cut your head off” and warned she would be unable to escape him even before authorities arrived.

Despite these allegations, Billings was released on bail in early April. On April 21, he broke into Ms. Ticehurst’s home in Forbes through a window and stabbed her to death with a hunting knife. Crown prosecutor Lee Carr SC told Orange Court that Billings had made Ms. Ticehurst’s worst fears a reality.

Ms. Ticehurst had taken steps to protect herself ahead of the incident, including temporarily leaving Forbes and having her mother stay overnight at her residence. In March 2024, she questioned Billings in text messages about his intentions, asking, “Why did you want to kill me? Why do you do all the bad stuff to me?” Billings replied, “Maybe my thought process was if I couldn’t have you then I didn’t want anyone to.” During that time, she confided to a friend that “If I end up dead he 100% did it.”

Billings denied the domestic violence and sexual assault allegations but admitted to killing their dachshund puppy after the couple separated the previous year.

In a letter published on Friday, Billings expressed remorse for his actions, stating he was “just a human, capable of making mistakes and capable of feelings (and) emotions,” and said he was “as sorry as a person can be” for what he had done.

Billings is scheduled to be sentenced on September 11.